R&D Scientist I, Innovation

Blommer Chocolate Careers•Chicago, IL

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Blommer has been providing delicious, high-quality chocolate and cocoa products to customers since 1939. Built as a family business, we are continuing to grow and are looking for motivated and reliable associates to help in our mission of Bringing Chocolate to Life!

Requirements

General experience with kitchen and confection equipment
Must be able to taste and consume chocolate and related products
Excellent communication skills, written and verbal
Proficient in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams), CMR program
Bachelor's degree in food science or comparable field with relevant experience and interest.
Zero to three years’ experience in R&D food manufacturing operations, quality, or R&D.

Nice To Haves

Able to consume chocolate & related products daily and clearly communicate sensory attributes.
Employees are encouraged to express interest in internal career opportunities throughout Blommer
Expectations for promotion or job role change are driven by proficiency and performance in current role
Career progression would align to other Scientist I roles within Blommer with the opportunity to progress to Scientist II

Responsibilities

Formulate products with guidance and develop an understanding of how ingredients, processing and specification parameters translate and impact sensory and finished product applications.
Develop understanding of the impact of ingredient substitutions and functional ingredients for Blommer and our customers
Operate equipment to generate product samples from start to finish (gathering raw materials, making the sample, molding samples into a presentable format, mailing samples)
Analyze product by measuring physical parameters and performance in application.
Participate in and conduct sensory testing with guidance
Develop and maintain corresponding documentation and data in appropriate systems with review
Develop understanding of feasibility of running new products or ingredients and conduct trials to support commercialization and meet customer and Blommer operational efficiency expectations
Execute dynamic research projects with proper documentation of results.
With support, analyze data to derive conclusions and communicate results with recommendations of future studies and/or next steps
With direction, assess and troubleshoot technical problems and provide necessary data to identify solutions (verbally, on site, written communication) for customers and internally
Develop an understanding of the Blommer portfolio and manufacturing capabilities to provide specific product recommendations and product usage guidance
Collaborate with internal partners to bring new business, build customer relationships and solve technical issues
Communicate technical information in an audience appropriate way, in settings including technical training and presentations to customers and internal stakeholders as well as conferences and industry events
Educate customers on our products and capabilities including giving facility tours
Represent Blommer within the industry by attending meetings, conferences, and trade shows, actively participating in trade organizations and/or becoming involved in the community
Maintain awareness of current trends and research in the cocoa/chocolate market